Another busy Thursday on Newsmakers at Noon! Denise and Hunter covered everything from growing voter frustration with Washington to some heated local controversies. And we even found time for a little rodeo!
Are Americans fed up with politics as usual? A new AP-NORC poll suggests they are! Roughly eight in ten registered voters want substantial or complete change in how Washington operates. But here’s the interesting part: Democrats appear more enthusiastic about November’s midterms. Are Republicans facing a turnout problem? And are voters supporting candidates they actually believe in, or simply voting against the other side?
Closer to home, Salem-Keizer’s proposed school closures continue to generate some serious pushback. New reporting puts deferred maintenance at nearly $15 million across the six schools being considered for closure. But after hearing parents and students challenge the district’s priorities, we’re still asking: Why are some academically successful schools on the chopping block? And will closing them really deliver the savings taxpayers are being promised?
We also revisited Salem’s ongoing homelessness debate after a judge rejected a request to stop camp removals at Wallace Marine Park. Public parks should be available to everyone, but where do displaced campers go? Is Salem actually solving anything?
And the controversy surrounding Saturday’s ICE confrontation in Salem isn’t going away. Several city councilors have condemned federal enforcement actions, even as questions remain about what happened. We discussed the difference between peaceful protest and obstructing federal officers, and whether public officials should be drawing conclusions before the investigation is finished.
On the national culture front, we talked about members of a girls’ cross-country team in Camas, Washington, reportedly refusing to compete against a transgender athlete. That sparked another conversation about fairness in girls’ sports. And yes, we even had a little fun with a rather wild theory about election-season scandals. Coincidence or conspiracy? You decide!
Finally, the Rodeo of Champions is coming to Salem this weekend! The Northwest Professional Rodeo Association Finals brings top competitors to the Oregon State Fair and Expo Center Friday and Saturday. A great opportunity for some family fun!
🎙️ From school closures and public safety to election politics and a little something lighter, we covered plenty of ground today. Missed the conversation? Catch Newsmakers at Noon wherever you listen to podcasts!
Links from Today’s Show
Politics and elections
- AP-NORC poll – Voters want political change:
https://apnews.com/article/2026-midterms-trump-approval-economy-change-election-e12dd9b19013c75a3d4ede01c1b9d0c3 - Election-season scandal theory:
https://notthebee.com/article/this-gals-conspiracy-theory-about-big-sex-scandals-that-happen-before-every-election-has-me-on-the-edge-of-my-seat?from_social=twitter
Salem and Keizer
- Salem-Keizer school closure analysis:
https://www.salemreporter.com/2026/10/15/age-building-condition-and-enrollment-at-center-of-salem-keizers-school-closures-conversation/ - School closure community meetings:
https://salkeiz.k12.or.us/details/~board/district-news/post/community-conversations-about-school-closures - Salem officials respond to ICE confrontation:
https://www.salemreporter.com/2026/10/14/salem-officials-join-others-speaking-out-after-ice-agents-tear-gassed-protesters/
Girls’ sports controversy
- Brandi Kruse – Camas cross-country team:
https://x.com/BrandiKruse/status/2110160328684421154 - Additional reporting and commentary:
https://x.com/OliLondonTV/status/2110255914511188218?s=20
Coming up this weekend
- Rodeo of Champions – NPRA Finals, October 16–17:
https://nprafinals.com/finals.html
Listen to the show
https://kykn.com/podcast/newsmakers/
